Alerts Sign-up
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, leaders from the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) visited Jamaica to show solidarity with the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands (UCJCI). The visit took place as communities continued to deal with the hurricane’s aftermath and work toward recovery.
Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica on October 28 as a Category 5 storm. With winds reaching up to 252 miles per hour before landfall, it was one of the strongest hurricanes recorded in the Atlantic basin. The hurricane made landfall at New Hope, Westmoreland, with wind speeds of 185 miles per hour and caused widespread destruction across the island.
The president of WCRC described worshipping with the congregation at Cambridge United Church in Brompton, St. Elizabeth: “This was the first time the congregation gathered for worship after the hurricane. The windows of the church were covered with blue tarp as were the roofs of many homes we passed on the way into the community. The colored glass in the grass, along with pieces of the roof and mortar, was itself a story, the remnant of the windows blown out and the roof destroyed. Yet, the floors were clean, a generator was brought in, and the people gathered in the church buzzing with conversations and joy at seeing and holding each other after Melissa.”
Damage extended beyond church buildings. “The manse next door which is owned by the church was destroyed. The house across the street had no roof. Zinc was everywhere, even wrapped around branches – a strange bird in trees – a sign of failure of many roofs and structures. And, cemetery was host to new dead – dead trees and useless items sent adrift by winds,” according to an attendee.
Members from five congregations came together for what they called “A Service of Reflection, Renewal and Hope.” This gathering included hymns, songs, scripture readings, and stories from survivors expressing both trauma experienced during Hurricane Melissa and gratitude for surviving.
People recounted how they endured roofs being torn off their homes or water rising inside their houses: “The stories were told with humor yet conveyed intensity and severity...Melissa will not be forgotten.” Many residents are supporting each other by sharing resources or opening their homes.
According to UCJCI leaders, more than 50 churches and schools suffered damage while seven churches were destroyed entirely. Relief efforts are ongoing; care packages are being distributed to those in need; mental health support is available; housing is provided; some churches are serving as shelters or hosting meal programs; needs assessments continue amid damaged infrastructure.
“UCJCI is one of many churches and organizations along with overseas partners in ministry together to rebuild lives beyond storm,” noted leadership involved in relief efforts.
As Jamaicans mark one month since Hurricane Melissa hit—coinciding this year with Thanksgiving celebrations in United States—leaders emphasized that relief work remains far from over: “They have a long way to go – relief is only beginning...accompaniment by partners like WCRC...will be necessary for full recovery.”
Supporters are encouraged to pray for affected communities or contribute financially toward ongoing recovery work.
